I’m Yoruba’s number one monarch historically — Alaafin

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, asserts his position as the preeminent traditional ruler in Yorubaland, emphasizing the historical significance of the old Oyo Empire. In a recent interview, Owoade claimed that the Alaafin's stool held a prominent place within the old Oyo Empire's political structure, asserting that he is the "supreme king" historically.

He dismissed any pursuit of supremacy among other traditional leaders, stating that he does not engage in such competition. Owoade traced his authority back to the origins of the Oyo Empire, asserting that the empire's power had merely declined rather than disappeared. He went on to explain that various communities and towns across Yorubaland trace their roots to the old Oyo Empire, which sparked his initiative to establish Oyo Empire Day.

This annual event aims to unite descendant communities to celebrate their shared heritage and preserve their culture. The Alaafin also addressed recent disagreements with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over traditional authority and chieftaincy titles. In August 2025, the Alaafin criticized the Ooni for bestowing the title of Okanlomo on an Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi, due to the Ooni's perceived lack of authority to confer such a title covering the entire Yorubaland.